Endometriosis: A chronic and currently incurable affliction
Endometriosis is a chronic disease that receives relatively little attention. It affects about 8 to 15 percent of all individuals with a uterus, making it one of the most common gynecological diseases. It is a systemic disease that affects the entire body without a single focus of inflammation. The condition involves the growth of uterine muscle layer tissue outside the uterus, such as in the abdominal and pelvic area, on the intestines, or on the ovaries. The consequences include chronic inflammation, scarring, and adhesions of the affected tissue, severe pain, and cramps that can radiate from the abdomen to the back and legs. Since the cause is not yet understood according to current scientific knowledge, there is no cure that addresses the root cause of endometriosis. Overall, about half of those affected require ongoing treatment [i].
Endometriosis can be treated in various ways: medicinally or surgically by removing the endometriosis foci. Other potential therapies may target hormone levels or dietary changes. Patients who receive medical therapy are typically prescribed painkillers to treat and alleviate their symptoms [ii]. However, this carries risks: prolonged and regular intake can lead to dependence and tolerance effects; painkillers can also cause permanent damage to organs like the liver or kidney. In recent years, treatment with medical cannabis is also being slowly researched as a potential option in the therapy of endometriosis.
Medical Cannabis as an Effective Component of Endometriosis Therapy
Medical cannabis has proven to be a promising component in the treatment of endometriosis [iii]. In recent years, researchers have examined medical cannabis as a treatment for endometriosis, particularly focusing on the interaction of cannabinoids with the body’s own endocannabinoid system and the gut. Their findings suggest that cannabis has the potential to alleviate a range of symptoms associated with endometriosis [iv].
Cannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is involved in pain regulation. These compounds can alleviate neuropathic pain, which is common in endometriosis, and reduce inflammation, leading to more effective pain relief. Known interactions with the endocannabinoid system involve two endocannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. The CB1 receptor, found in large numbers in the uterus and on nerve cells, produces a pain-blocking effect when interacting with cannabis. The CB2 receptor, located in the immune system, inhibits inflammatory responses when cannabis is used [v].
Research findings indicate that medicinal cannabis, with its broad spectrum of therapeutic effects, may have the capacity to simultaneously address multiple symptoms. Investigations are exploring the extent to which medical cannabis can not only mitigate pain but also positively influence associated symptoms like cramps, nausea, sleep disturbances, and anxiety, commonly linked with endometriosis. Testimonials from women who have used cannabis for their condition suggest notable improvements in sleep quality and a decrease in nausea and vomiting. These observations hint at the potential for a more comprehensive treatment approach, potentially enhancing the life quality of those impacted.
Treatment with medical cannabis usually involves the intake of oils or capsules and the use of vaporizers. This allows for individual dosing as determined in consultation with the treating physician, giving patients better control over their symptoms and the ability to tailor their therapy to their needs. Additionally, this therapy is gentler on patients: there are indications that medical cannabis has fewer and milder side effects and is better tolerated [vi].
More Research Needed to Improve Therapy Options
Despite initial promising (research) results and growing acceptance of medical cannabis as a treatment option for endometriosis, we are still at the beginning of understanding this treatment method’s full potential. Further comprehensive clinical studies and research are needed to fully grasp the capabilities of medical cannabis and its active ingredients in treating endometriosis and other conditions.
Therefore, increased commitment to research and development of medical cannabis is essential to advance innovative and effective therapies that meet patients’ needs. Promoting research in the medical cannabis field is crucial for this purpose. Only through continuous investment in research and development can we further improve healthcare for individuals with endometriosis and other pain patients, ultimately enhancing their quality of life sustainably.
Anything else?
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We wish you a good read!
With legalising greetings,

Jakob Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa

Benedikt Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa
Sources:
[i] Endometriose-Vereinigung Deutschland e.V.. (2023). Was ist Endometriose. Endometriose-Vereinigung Deutschland e.V.. https://www.endometriose-vereinigung.de/was-ist-endometriose/
[i] Frauenärzte im Netz. (14.12.2021). Endometriose: Therapie. Frauenärzte im Netz. https://www.frauenaerzte-im-netz.de/erkrankungen/endometriose/therapie/
[ii] Frauenärzte im Netz. (14.12.2021). Endometriose: Therapie. Frauenärzte im Netz. https://www.frauenaerzte-im-netz.de/erkrankungen/endometriose/therapie/
[iii] Sinclair, J., Collett, L., Abbott, J., Pate, D. W., Sarris, J., & Armour, M. (2021). Effects of cannabis ingestion on endometriosis-associated pelvic pain and related symptoms. PloS One, 16(10), e0258940. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0258940
[iv] Sinclair, J., Collett, L., Abbott, J., Pate, D. W., Sarris, J., & Armour, M. (2021). Effects of cannabis ingestion on endometriosis-associated pelvic pain and related symptoms. PloS One, 16(10), e0258940. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0258940
[v] de Souza, H. F. (14.11.2023). Cannabis shows promise in easing endometriosis pain, new research suggests. News Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20231114/Cannabis-shows-promise-in-easing-endometriosis-pain-new-research-suggests.aspx
[vi] de Souza, H. F. (14.11.2023). Cannabis shows promise in easing endometriosis pain, new research suggests. News Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20231114/Cannabis-shows-promise-in-easing-endometriosis-pain-new-research-suggests.aspx


Jakob Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa


Benedikt Sons
Founder & Managing Director Cansativa